ALBANY, New York (WWNY) – A third agreement has emerged from Albany aimed at resolving the ongoing strike by corrections officers (COs) in state prisons. This agreement, dated March 8th, includes signatures from both the state and the union representing the COs, unlike a previous proposal that lacked union endorsement.
- Third agreement for striking corrections officers
- Signed by state and CO union representatives
- Committee to review HALT act established
- Overtime pay offered for returning COs
- 85% return rate required to end strike
- Previous agreements failed to resolve situation
The current agreement addresses concerns surrounding the HALT act, a law enacted in 2022 that restricts inmate discipline methods. It also eliminates a prior plan that counted 70% staffing levels as full capacity. Striking COs were given until 6:45 PM on Sunday, March 9th, to return to work without facing disciplinary actions. Those who returned will also be eligible for overtime pay calculated at 2.5 times their normal rate for the following month.
Key details of this agreement include:
- The requirement for at least 85% of COs who worked before the strike to return by Monday.
- No overtime boost for those returning after Monday.
- A committee will be formed to review aspects of the HALT act.
This latest effort follows two previous agreements that failed to bring striking COs back into service. The stipulation regarding the required percentage of returning staff could pose challenges for this agreement’s success. If fewer than 85% comply, this deal may not take effect.
This third agreement aims to resolve ongoing tensions between corrections officers and state authorities while addressing critical staffing issues within New York’s prison system. The outcome hinges on compliance from a significant majority of previously active COs returning to their posts promptly.
